Recognized as the first Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto establishes the foundations of a genre defined by mystery, terror, and the supernatural. Set within the shadowed halls of an ancient and ominous castle, the narrative follows the tyrannical Manfred, whose obsession with securing his lineage leads to a series of catastrophic events. When his son is crushed by a mysterious, gigantic helmet, Manfred’s desperation intensifies, driving him toward acts of tyranny, transgression, and moral decay.
The novel weaves elements of medieval romance with supernatural horror, exploring themes of power, prophecy, and fate. As ancient secrets unravel and spectral forces intervene, Walpole presents a narrative that interrogates the limits of human ambition and the inevitable downfall that follows moral corruption.
The Castle of Otranto is a pivotal work that shaped the evolution of Gothic fiction, influencing generations of literature with its atmospheric tension, symbolic architecture, and exploration of ancestral guilt. It remains an essential text for understanding the origins and enduring power of the Gothic tradition.